Resilience, higher education and widening participation: generating change for care experienced students

Over 80,000 children in England were being looked after in Local Authority care in 2020 and a further 40,000 people were defined as care leavers'. Although a significant body of research highlights the prevalence of educational low achievement in the care experienced population, official government figures show that around 13% of care experienced pupils progress to higher education by the age of 19. In a climate of widening participation' in which universities encourage inclusion and student diversity, this research invited students with a care background to discuss their experiences of settling into university life. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with 42 students from four universities and an online survey completed by 192 students in 29 universities in England and Wales. Findings revealed that although care experienced students overcome significant challenges to progress to higher education, over half considered dropping out. Others reported feeling isolated and inadequately supported, both financially and pastorally, by their institution. This paper uses a lens of resilience to consider the environmental factors that impact upon student transitions, and concludes that universities must act to balance inequalities in order to appropriately welcome and appreciate care leavers for the skills and experience they bring.

Automated summary

According to official government figures, there were over 80,000 children in England receiving Local Authority care, with an additional 40,000 people defined as care leavers. Despite extensive research highlighting the low educational achievement among care experienced individuals, only around 13% of them progress to higher education by the age of 19. This study invited students with a care background to share their experiences of transitioning into university life. Findings showed that although care experienced students face significant challenges in accessing higher education, over half of them considered dropping out. Others reported feeling isolated and unsupported, both financially and pastorally, by their institution. The study suggests that universities need to address these inequalities and properly appreciate the skills and experiences that care leavers bring.